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Greenhouse Types Explained
How to Choose the Right Greenhouse for Your Space and Climate
Choosing a greenhouse can feel overwhelming. With so many styles, materials, sizes, and price points available, it’s hard to know where to start — especially when what works well in one garden may struggle in another.
The truth is, there’s no single “best” greenhouse. The right choice depends on how you plan to use it, where you live, and how exposed your space is to wind, heat, and weather.
This guide explains the main types of greenhouses, how climate and location affect your decision, and what to consider before narrowing down your options.
What Are You Using Your Greenhouse For?
Before comparing greenhouse types, it helps to be clear about why you want one. Different goals suit very different structures.
Some gardeners use a greenhouse primarily for growing vegetables, fruit, or herbs year-round. Others want protection for delicate plants, a place to propagate seedlings, or a sheltered space to experiment with plants that wouldn’t normally suit their climate.
For some, a greenhouse also doubles as a quiet garden retreat — a place to potter, enjoy plants, or spend time surrounded by greenery. In these cases, light, visibility, and aesthetics matter just as much as growing performance.
Being honest about how you’ll use the space makes the rest of the decision far easier.
How Climate and Location Affect Greenhouse Choice in Australia
Australian conditions vary widely, and climate plays a bigger role in greenhouse choice than many people expect.
In wind-exposed or regional areas, structural strength becomes critical. Lightweight frames can struggle in open landscapes or coastal conditions, regardless of how well they perform elsewhere.
In hot or high-UV regions, heat management and airflow are often more important than insulation. Shade houses or diffused glazing can help prevent plants from overheating during summer.
In cooler climates or frost-prone regions, insulation and temperature stability can extend the growing season and protect plants during colder months.
Location also matters at a micro level. A greenhouse in a sheltered suburban backyard will face very different conditions to one on a rural block or an elevated site.
The Main Types of Greenhouses Explained
Glass Greenhouses
Glass greenhouses are known for their clarity, longevity, and classic appearance. They allow maximum natural light to enter the structure, making them ideal for light-loving plants and for gardeners who enjoy seeing their plants clearly from every angle.
Because glass does not fade or degrade over time, it remains visually consistent for decades when properly installed. Glass greenhouses are often chosen for permanent installations, garden rooms, or conservatory-style spaces where aesthetics matter as much as plant performance.
They do, however, rely heavily on the strength of the frame and structure. In exposed areas, build quality and installation are especially important.
Polycarbonate Greenhouses
Polycarbonate greenhouses are popular for their durability, insulation, and practical performance. Twin-wall or multi-wall polycarbonate panels trap air between layers, helping to reduce temperature fluctuations inside the greenhouse.
Unlike glass, polycarbonate does not shatter and is highly impact-resistant, making it well suited to areas with strong winds, hail, or falling debris. Many polycarbonate panels also diffuse light, spreading it more evenly across plants and reducing hotspots.
These qualities make polycarbonate a strong choice for growing-focused gardeners, variable climates, and locations where durability is a priority.
Tunnel Greenhouses
Tunnel greenhouses are designed for scale and airflow. With their curved frames and generous internal space, they’re well suited to high-output growing, food production, and serious gardening projects.
They offer excellent ventilation and usable growing area, often at a lower cost per square metre than rigid structures. Tunnel greenhouses are commonly used for vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers.
Their size and footprint mean they’re best suited to larger spaces rather than small suburban gardens.
Shade Houses
Shade houses are ideal for managing heat rather than trapping it. They provide protection from intense sun while allowing excellent airflow, making them well suited to tropical and hot climates.
They’re commonly used for orchids, foliage plants, and other species that prefer filtered light and ventilation over enclosed warmth.
PVC and PE Greenhouses
PVC and PE greenhouses are typically the most affordable option. They’re lightweight, easy to assemble, and work best in sheltered environments such as balconies, courtyards, or protected garden spaces.
While they don’t offer the same strength or longevity as rigid structures, they can be a practical solution where budget, space, or short-term use is the priority. Placement is key — these greenhouses perform best when shielded from strong winds.
Why Strength, Structure, and Warranty Matter
When comparing greenhouse options, it’s easy to focus on size or glazing alone. However, frame strength, structural design, and warranty coverage often tell you more about how a greenhouse will perform long-term.
Wind ratings, frame thickness, and material quality all influence durability. A well-designed structure can make the difference between a greenhouse that lasts decades and one that struggles after the first severe weather event.
Warranties are also worth paying attention to. Longer warranties often reflect greater confidence in materials and construction.
Choosing the Right Size (Most People Go Too Small)
One of the most common mistakes when buying a greenhouse is choosing one that’s too small.
Plants grow, benches take up space, and walkways are essential for access and airflow. Vertical growing, shelving, and future expansion are often overlooked during the initial purchase.
If space allows, choosing a slightly larger greenhouse than you think you need can make the space more enjoyable and functional over time.
Where to Go Next
If you’re ready to compare greenhouse options more closely — including structure types, size ranges, and suitability for different environments — our Greenhouse Buying Guide breaks down our full range by use, climate, and level of structure.
For a deeper dive into glazing materials specifically, you can also read our guide to polycarbonate vs glass greenhouses to better understand how each performs in different conditions.